The Hebrew word Môwlâdâh, represented by H4137, identifies a place in Palestine. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The name's definition is derived from the word for birth.
In the biblical narrative, H4137 is consistently identified as a town, often included in lists of cities that were part of a tribal allotment or settlement. It is mentioned as part of the inheritance H5159 that included Beersheba H884 and Sheba H7652 Joshua 19:2. It is also recorded as a place where people dwelt H3427 along with Beersheba H884 and Hazarshual H2705 1 Chronicles 4:28. In other passages, it is listed among cities such as Amam H538 and Shema H8090 Joshua 15:26, and with Jeshua H3442 and Bethphelet H1046 Nehemiah 11:26.
Several other places and terms are mentioned in direct connection with Môwlâdâh, establishing its geographical and narrative context:
- H884 Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ (well of an oath): This prominent location, Beer-Sheba, is listed alongside Môwlâdâh as both an inheritance H5159 Joshua 19:2 and a place where people dwelt H3427 1 Chronicles 4:28.
- H2705 Chătsar Shûwʻâl (village of (the) fox): This town, Chatsar-Shual, is also mentioned as a dwelling place along with Môwlâdâh 1 Chronicles 4:28.
- H3442 Yêshûwaʻ (he will save): Môwlâdâh is listed with the place named Jeshua in the record of settlements found in Nehemiah Nehemiah 11:26.
- H5159 nachălâh (heritage): This word is used to describe Môwlâdâh's status as part of a tribal portion, designating it as an inheritance for the people Joshua 19:2.
The significance of H4137 is primarily historical and geographical, marking its place in the life of Israel.
- Tribal Inheritance: Môwlâdâh's primary role is as part of a designated tribal inheritance H5159, grounding it within the covenantal distribution of the land to the people of Israel Joshua 19:2.
- Place of Dwelling: It is identified as a location where people dwelt H3427, highlighting it as a settled and inhabited community in ancient Israel 1 Chronicles 4:28.
- Post-Exilic Settlement: Its inclusion in the list of towns in Nehemiah indicates it was a site of resettlement after the return from exile, signifying the re-establishment of the people in their ancestral lands Nehemiah 11:26.
In summary, H4137 Môwlâdâh is a specific geographical place name rather than a theological term. Its importance is found in its consistent inclusion in the biblical record as a town of inheritance and dwelling. The four occurrences firmly place it within a group of southern Palestinian cities, illustrating its role in the historical and geographical landscape of ancient Israel, particularly in the context of land allocation and resettlement.
TRV